Fulham's first was forray into Europe started succesfully on Thursday night with a convincing 3-0 drubbing of Lithuanian outfit FC Vetra in the first leg of their third round qualifying match of the Europa League.

Peter Crouch has decided against a move to Fulham and instead will team up with old friends Harry Redknapp and Jermain Defoe at Tottenham it was announced on Tuesday. While it would have been nice to get Crouch on the books at Craven Cottage it was not to be.

Fulham wrapped up its' second signing of the summer on Wednesday as Bjorn Helge Riise put pen to paper on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee that brings him to Craven Cottage. The 26-year-old Norwegian international should give the Cottagers some depth in the midfield and talked on Fulham's official site about the exciting prospects of joining fellow countrymen Brede Hangeland and Erik Nevland at the club.

It seems like just yesterday the 2008-2009 Premier League campaign finished up, but Fulham are already back in pre-season training down under in Australia. In fact, the Cottagers first friendly will be played on Wednesday against Australian side Gold Coast United. It will be the first of three friendlies the club plays down in Australia. The other two friendlies are against Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory.

Phil Mison is a lifelong follower of Fulham FC. As a broadcaster, writer and sports producer he has supplied past club videos and numerous articles on FFC. LBC Radio's Fulham correspondent 1988-1993 and Sky Sports’ reporter for the 1996-97 promotion season. Professionally Phil delivers football content to the highest level both overseas and across the UK via TV, radio and mobile.